Due September 9

A personal narrative is a story about a person’s unique life experiences. They can be about big life changing moments or daily experiences. It is not a diary entry. Your narrative must have the characteristics of a good story. So please pick an experience that has a definite beginning, a climax, and an end. Stories that show you have learned or grown from your experience are especially nice to read.

Your first step for today is to brainstorm. Think back through your life’s stories. Jot down four

ideas here:

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Read back over your list and put a star by the one you want to develop into a personal narrative essay that is 1 - 2 typed pages.

You will need to complete the following this week: September 3 - the Narrative Brainstorming sheet (this needs to be turned in for a grade) September 5 - the “Plot Mountain” worksheet; this should look familiar as we started one

in class (this should be turned in for a grade) September 6 - the Personal Narrative Example “The Tempting Totem Pole” (turn this in for a grade)

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Due September 16 This week you will continue to work on your personal narrative. You will write a complete rough draft of your personal narrative. Remember the essay should be 1 - 2 pages types. Your essay should invite the reader along with you on your story.

You will want to show rather than tell.For example: Telling sentence: It was so cold. Showing sentence: The bitter wind whipped the snow into a mad furry turning my cheeks bright red. Telling sentence: The little child was so sad to say goodbye to his friend. Showing sentence: Big tears fell from the young boy’s blue eyes and his bottom lip began to quiver as he waved goodbye to his dear friend.

Please read the papers that follow.

Please read the rubric carefully to see how you will be evaluated and ultimately graded on this assignment.

In class, you will need to have two copies of your personal narrative and a copy of the papers that follow.

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September 23 This week you are going to write your final draft of your personal narrative. Here are some tips to help: 1. You should remember how we worked in class on developing a dynamic start to an essay.

Have you tried making your introduction stronger? 2. Carefully examine your essay and see where you can replace telling sentences with

showing sentences. Remember, the reader of the essay should feel as if she is right there next to you as your story unfolds.

3. Look at your verbs. Strong writers use more action verbs to draw the reader in and to keep the story moving. Can you change a verb or two to strong action verbs?

4. While adjectives and adverbs add a great deal to your writing, be careful to not add too many. Adjectives and adverbs are a lot like spices when you are cooking. Too much or too many can spell ruin.

5. Read your draft aloud. Are there any places where you stumble? That might mean you have an awkward phrase or a sentence that is misplaced. Be aware of your own writing.

6. Email me your draft using Google Docs to cotillionclubsmv@gmail.com. I can comment and edit your essay if you ask for help!